Competition Bureau Seeks Comments on New Environmental Labelling and Advertising Guidelines

OTTAWA, July 17, 2001 — The Competition Bureau is seeking public comments, through a Notice of Consultation, on its intention to adopt new guidelines on environmental labelling and advertising, commonly referred to as "green marketing."

The new guidelines will be used by the Bureau when assessing environmental labelling and advertising claims, under the provisions of the Competition Act and the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act. They aim to help businesses make sure that their representations are not misleading and that they are in conformity with the law. Adoption of the new guidelines by the Bureau will also benefit consumers, enabling better informed decisions when shopping for products or services making environmental claims on their packaging or in their advertising.

The consultation will be conducted over a 90-day period. If any interested party would like to obtain a copy of the proposed guidelines, has any general questions or would like information on how best to comply with the Competition Act and the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, please contact the Competition Bureau Information Centre at 819-997-4282 or toll-free at 1-800-348-5358.

Individuals are asked to e-mail, fax or mail their comments to Suzanne MacPhee, of the Competition Bureau, by October 15, 2001. Responses will be made public and posted on our Web site unless it is specifically requested that they be kept confidential.

The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency which ensures that all Canadians enjoy the benefits of a fair and competitive economy, low prices, product choice, and quality service. It oversees the application of the Competition Act, the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, the Textile Labelling Act and the Precious Metals Marking Act.

Contact:

Suzanne MacPhee
Competition Bureau
17th floor, Place du Portage I
50 Victoria St.
Hull, Quebec
K1A 0C9
Fax: 819-953-2557
E-mail: macphee.suzanne@cb-bc.gc.ca

Media Enquiries:

Charles Bergeron
Senior Communications Advisor
Competition Bureau
819-956-0774 or 613-296-2187 (cell.)